Challow Hurdle 2012

2.45 Newbury

Betfred Mobile Sports Challow Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £17,085

Advice: 2 pts Taquin Du Seuil w/o Clondaw Kaempfer (10/11 Ladbrokes)

Awaywiththegreys: Scored twice over hurdles, winning soft ground events well at Aintree (June) and Chepstow in good tyle but third in Aintree handicap was a well beaten one off just 135 and this a big step up in class.

Ballybough Pat: Very progressive since leaving PTP field, winning well at Carlislie from useful runner up and then second in Chepstow Grade 2 and decent handicap here latest (3m, soft); Might have more to offer but couple look better than him today (rated 137).

Claondaw Kaempfer: Looked to have a bright future when winning valuable sales bumper at Fairyhouse in April for Colin Bowe and even more impressive in two starts for Donald McCain, readily beating previous French winner with ease on first start under rules (2m4f) at Aintree and having no problems dropping back to 2m when winning Listed Hurdle at Haydock (gave 6lbs and a 3 &1/2 length beating towards Lineosous, which has him closely matched with Ballybough Pat); Plenty of speed and would handle better ground, but won twice on fairly deep going and this trip no problem, so should play a big hand.

Easter Day: Another who’s unbeaten over hurdles, winning impressively at Fontwell (extended 2m2f) and Ascot (2m6f) where he showed encouraging amounts of stamina towards the end of his race; Can go well here with that in mind, and although he’s never been on heavy, won twice on soft ground; Should go well.  

Lucky Vic: Improved on all previous starts when landing Uttoxeter maiden and Ffos Las novice hurdle in June (soft both occasions) but this a much tougher test and very little substance to his wins.

Taquin Du Seuil: Useful on the flat in France and made strong start to hurdling career when running away with Uttoexeter maiden, and even better was to come when he failed to give weight to My Tent Or Yours at Ascot over 2m on good ground; Coped fine with heavy when easy winner of Grade 2 at Sandown latest (very strong guide to this contest in recent) and leading contender here.

VERDICT: A small but select 6 make for an interesting renewal, with TAQUIN DU SEUIL getting the vote to give Jonjo O’Neil a fourth win in this, on the basis that his form is marginally stronger and that he’s won on heavy ground, even if the Grade 2 he won was weak the level. Donalds McCain’s Clondaw Keampfer is a hugely respected rival though, enough to make our advised bet the 10/11 that Ladbrokes are offering without the favourite (who happens to be Clondaw Keampfer), even though Easter Day’s guaranteed stamina makes him a big threat.